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Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the gift of our priests, help them to be strong in their vocation and become instruments of Your love and grace. Send Your Holy Spirit to give courage and guidance to all You are calling to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life in our Archdiocese. May those called, hear Your voice, and respond wholeheartedly to become the person You have created them to be. Heavenly Father, form us all in the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, so that we may love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. We ask this through Christ Your Son, the Eternal High Priest. AMEN

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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A POPE DIES

 

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With the funeral of Pope Francis this weekend the Church enters a sacred time of transition. While the world mourns the death of a much- loved and humble shepherd, the attention of the faithful now turns to the election of his successor.

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The period between the death of a pope and the election of the next is marked by both solemn tradition and deep spiritual significance. Following the funeral, the College of Cardinals will prepare to enter the Conclave — the prayerful and secret process of electing the next Bishop of Rome.

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The Conclave must begin no earlier than 16 days after the pope’s passing, and no later than 21 days (probably between 6th and 11th May 2025). It will take place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinal electors — all under the age of 80 on the day the papacy became vacant — will gather in seclusion, under oath, until a new pope is chosen. At present, around 120 cardinals are eligible to vote. From the United Kingdom, three cardinals are within the eligible age bracket: Cardinal Arthur Roche (Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship), Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe OP. While all three meet the age requirement, their participation in the Conclave must be officially confirmed. Nevertheless, we commend them in prayer as they discern their part in this momentous duty.

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The election of a new pope requires a two-thirds majority. When a decision is reached, the world will witness the familiar sign of white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel — a sign of joy and renewal for the whole Church.

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For us, this is not simply a time of waiting, but of prayer and trust. The Church invites all the faithful to support the cardinals and the entire Church through prayerful intercession, confident that the Holy Spirit will guide this election.

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We must remember, that this is a moment of grace, not of uncertainty. The Lord remains with His Church, guiding her always. Let us remain united in prayer, as we await the next successor of Peter.

 

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SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEK is for the maintenance of St George’s Cathedral.

 

FATHER PIOTR. Please note that Fr Piotr is away this week and will be largely unavailable next week. For any urgent enquiries, please contact Fr John or Fr Biju.

 

PARISH OFFICE. On Tuesday 29th April, the office hours at St Thomas’ will exceptionally be 10:45am to 1:45pm. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience.

 

POPE FRANCIS. In a message to the Archdiocese, following the death of Pope Francis, Archbishop John Wilson called on us to imitate the Holy Father and be witnesses to the Gospel. The Archbishop said “let Pope Francis's legacy be a legacy of love” and called on us to be like the Holy Father by being “a witness to the Gospel, a witness to the love and mercy of Christ, and never be afraid to speak the truth of the Lord Jesus and his saving Gospel”. You can watch or read the full message

 

Our TRUTH SEEKERS youth programme has sessions every Saturday from 7:00pm to 8:15pm in the St Thomas’ Parish Centre. Encourage your young person to come. They can also bring friends. All are welcome. For information, email sevenoaks@rcaos.org.uk or call the office at 01732 454 177.

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DIVINE MERCY. On Sunday 27th April, the Divine Mercy hour at St Thomas’ will begin at 2:30pm, with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, confessions and meditations. There will be refreshments afterwards.

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SAVE THE DATE. Our Parish Summer Party is on Sunday 6th July, 12:00noon onwards, in the Presbytery Garden. This is our biggest social event. Make sure to include it in your diaries. Last year, it was a huge success with free food, drinks, children’s games and entertainment. All are welcome. If you have ideas on how to make our Parish Summer Party even better, contact us. We also need donations and volunteers. Can you help? Would you like to run a stall at the party? Or maybe help to run/donate to a stall or for the raffle? Or contribute with some food. It can be savoury, salads, deserts or a national dish. All the proceeds go to the parish. Contact Fr Piotr or Ben.​

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REPOSITORY SHOP OPENING TIMES THIS WEEK. 

Saturday 26th April: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 27th April: after 8:00am Mass; after 11:15am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

Tuesday 29th April: after 9:30am Mass

Thursday 1st May: during Coffee morning 10:15am-12:00pm, and after 12:00pm Mass

Sunday 4th May: after 8:00am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

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CONFIRMATION 2025. For all those currently in Year 7 or above, the registration for the Confirmation Programme is now open. Register online at sevrcparish.org.uk. A welcome meeting for parents, candidates and catechists will be held on Wednesday May 14th from 7:30pm-9:00pm at St Thomas’ church. Closing date for registration is on Friday April 25th.

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CATECHISTS. We are also looking for catechists to help with the delivery of the Confirmation Programme. If you can help, contact Gabrielle Ellis .

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PENTECOST. Join us every Tuesday evening for the Pilgrimage to Pentecost. We commence on 29th April at 7:30pm for 6 sessions until the 3rd June. The course culminates with the celebration at Aylesford on Saturday 7th June with Archbishop John Wilson. Email Deacon Neil

 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. The Mass in Celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage will be on July 12th 2025, at St George’s Cathedral. If you are celebrating your 1st/10th/25th/40th/50th/60th+ wedding anniversary this year, please let us know by mid May, providing the following details: names in the format John and Mary Smith, home address, parish, and the anniversary you are celebrating. You will receive an invitation from the Archbishop for the renewal of vows during Mass. Spaces are limited. Contact Carole at mflkent@rcaos.org.uk. As the title of your email, write your parish location e.g. Sevenoaks, Kent.​​​​​

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MEDJUGORGE PARISH PILGRIMAGE - LAST CHANCE. We are now able to offer a FREE pilgrimage to Medjugorje for one person to join our Parish group on 2nd June for 7 nights half board. This should be someone who has never been there. A couple can of course join us, with one paying the normal price.
Contact Barry Authers at 07773 658469​

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FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES. In this year of Jubilee, connect with other families and people of all ages for a time of fun, faith and friendship at CELEBRATE festival. It will be from August 16th to 20th at Worth
School, West Sussex. Camping and residential accommodation options are available. Listen to inspirational speakers, attend Mass and worship. It might just be the summer holiday you never knew you needed. Info at celebratetrust.org/festival.

MARRIAGE. Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue or have you just
stopped because it only makes it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. The next dates are 20th to 22nd June. For confidential information, email info@retrouvaille.org.uk, call/text 07887296983 or go to www.retrouvaille.org.uk.

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JOB OPPORTUNITY. St Thomas' Catholic Primary is looking to employ, from September 2025: Year One teacher for two days a week; and a Year 3 teacher for four days a week as a year long maternity cover. Visit our school to find out more or speak to the Headteacher, Ms Geraldine Leahy, via 01732 453921. For information, email office@st-thomas- sevenoaks.kcsp.org.uk​

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BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT. On the third Monday of each month, two parishioners from the Bereavement Support team will be in the parish room next to St Thomas’s church from 10.30am until 12noon for anyone who would welcome the opportunity to talk in confidence about a bereavement or other loss such as job, health, family pet. The next session is on 19th May.

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COUNTERS NEEDED. We are in need of volunteers for counting Mass collection cash and completing the weekly spreadsheet. Ideally, it would be at least 2 or 3 more people. This ministry is crucial for the flow of the parish. It requires a couple of hours every few weeks. We will provide the necessary training. Speak to Fr Piotr or Andy Hicks (Monday mornings in the Parish Office).​​​​​​​​​​​​
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ONLINE BOOK CLUB. Pope Francis adopted the Rome Synod Assembly’s recommendations into the Church's Magisterium on 26th October 2024. Explore the Final Synod Document over six weeks with an inspiring cast of experts including Archbishop Jason Gordon, Trinidad and Tobago. Join us live on Wednesdays from 7:30–8:30pm, 21st May to 25th June, or watch anytime on YouTube. Perfect for small groups or individual reflection. Register here

 

YOUNG ADULTS. Called to Love: Masculine & Feminine, 9th to 11th May. A weekend for young adults, whether single, dating or engaged couples, exploring the nature of masculinity and femininity. The retreat will consider the contemporary challenges to being a man and a woman and the Church’s wisdom for this, drawing particular inspiration from St Pope John Paul II. Go here

 

ADULT LAITY. Unveiled Faces: Healing & Transformation with the Saints, 27th to 29th June. A weekend led by Fr Emmanuel Mansford, CFR contemplating the healing and transformational work of grace in the ordinary and imperfect lives of the saints. In the light of their example, the retreat will offer an opportunity to reflect on and to seek healing for the wounds in our own lives. Go here​

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SAVE THE DATE. The Altar Servers 47th Annual Rally is on Monday 5th May, 2025 at the Friars Aylesford Priory Kent. The programme starts at 10:15 and mass begins at 11:30, followed by picnic and football tournament.​​​​

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WELCOMERS NEEDED. The Welcome Ministry is a vital part of our Parish community, ensuring that every person who walks through our doors feels loved and valued. We are in need of welcomers for our Masses. If you feel called to serve, email Andrew or visit www.sevrcparish.org/parishgroups-1/welcomers. For those who wish to issue an individual invitation to someone, please take a postcard (available in all churches) advertising the parish activities.​​

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JUBILEE WALKING PILGRIMAGE TO AYLESFORD - A CALL FOR PILGRIMS AND HOSTS. As part of the Jubilee Year celebrations in 2025 called for by Pope Francis, there will be a walking pilgrimage from St George’s cathedral to the Marian shrine of Aylesford in Kent. This will start on Monday 2nd June and arrive on Friday 6th June 2025, in time for the big diocesan Jubilee event on Saturday 7th June 2025. The pilgrims will stop at selected parishes on route sleeping in church halls or staying locally with parishioners or in B&Bs. Our parish has been chosen as one of the stopping places; the pilgrims will arrive in Sevenoaks on 4th June and stay two nights. Would you like to become involved by joining the walkers for part or the whole of the walk, by welcoming them here, by offering hospitality to the pilgrims overnight for the two nights, by volunteering to cook, or be part of the welcome ministry? Email Gina 

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WOMEN’S RETREAT - Gifts for the Journey - A time of invitation and encouragement. This retreat will happen Aylesford from 2nd to 4th May 2025. We are fortunate to be led in our retreat this year by Clare Cameron. She is a spiritual director and facilitator working at St Beuno’s in their outreach team. The cost (including full board & lodging) is £240. If you would like to attend, pick up a registration form from the back of your Church or download a form from the website: https:// www.sevrcparish.org/parishgroups-1/retreats Lift shares to Aylesford will be organised.

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For queries, contact Catherine Rodger  or call 01732 458852. The registration form and non refundable deposit of £20 made payable to ‘RCAS Sevenoaks’ must be returned to the Parish Office in an envelope marked PARISH RETREATS by the 31st March 2025.

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MEN’S RETREAT - Joy-Sorrow-Triumph-Witness-The Rosary and our daily lives. This retreat will be at Aylesford from 30th May 2025 to 1st June 2025. We are fortunate to have Fr Bryan Wells as the facilitator. He was the parish priest for Petts Wood parish before retiring and has helped out saying mass in our parish for some years. He is the author of Brother Roger and Taize, a consummate musician and organist and an excellent preacher. The cost for the retreat (including full board & lodging) is £240. If you would like to attend pick up a registration form from the back of your Church or download a form from the website: https:// www.sevrcparish.org/parishgroups-1/retreats . Lift shares to Aylesford will be organised.

 

For queries, contact Catherine Rodger  or call 01732 458852. The registration form and non refundable deposit of £20 made payable to ‘RCAS Sevenoaks’ must be returned to the Parish Office in an envelope marked PARISH RETREATS by the 31st March 2025.​​​

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SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELLA. There will be a walking pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella from September 20th to 29th. It is suitable for all levels, covering the 116km of the Camino Ingles at a gentle pace over 8 days with an additional day in Santiago. Contact Br David ; 07821049827 - evenings, or Margaret Briggs ; 07703 798967)​​​​

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Building a Better Marriage (BABM) – Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. To celebrate Jubilee 2025 a one day Building a Better Marriage opportunity will be held in the following 9 Southwark deaneries during 2025. The day starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.30pm and is free to attend. The day will be open to other deaneries in 2026 who have not experienced the event.

To join one of these day’s please contact Carole on 07983 524 727 or email mflkent@rcaos.org.uk.

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28 June – St Raphael Church, Kingston Upon Thames

5 July - St Thomas More, Dulwich

13 September – Southwark Cathedral, London

4 October – Holy Cross, Catford

1 November – St James the Great, Petts Wood​​​​​​

 

CAFOD Big Lent Walk. Join CAFOD for the Big Lent Walk in 2025! By taking on the challenge of walking 200km in 40days, you will be part of a massive team supporting people as they overcome poverty. Sign up as an individual, parish or school at https:// walk.cafod.org.uk/​

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FORMATION. The Lay Mission Institute is an apostolate committed to igniting the Faith of lay Catholics and helping them discern and live out their unique vocations. During a three-year program, you will learn what it means to have a lay vocation and how you are called to live it out. Information: https://laymission.net/

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INVIGILATOR AND LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT. St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School is recruiting for exam invigilators. Pay is £ 13/hour and the exams occur all year round. No experience is necessary and full training is provided. Contact Alison Franks at a.frank@stjohnfisher.school if interested. The school is also seeking Learning Support Assistants for their SEN team to work with students with additional needs. Contact Maheema Bir  for information about the role.

 

MASS INTENTIONS - A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO PRAY. We have available spaces for Mass intentions in the coming weeks. Offering a Mass for a loved one, whether living or deceased, is a profound act of love and faith. Please contact the parish office to reserve a date. Let us continue to pray for one another through the powerful gift of the Eucharist

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MOTHER’S PRAYERS every Thursday after the 12noon Mass in the Parish Centre. It is a special time for mothers to unite in faith and offer prayers for their families and the broader community. All are welcome.

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ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP. This is a prayer group for those discerning and practicing discipleship in our parish led by Deacon Neil which meets in the Parish Centre from 7:30pm on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month, and includes time of fellowship over tea and coffee, praise & worship led by musicians, consideration of Church teaching and prayer. For more information please contact Deacon Neil.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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RECENTLY DIED​​

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Peter Marchal
Requiem Mass 23rd May 2025
at 11:00am at St Thomas’

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Robert (Bob) Primarolo

Details to follow

May they rest in peace​.   

 

DIOCESAN NOTICES
 

​​​​​​​​ ​   ​​​​​​​​​​​Hope in Adoration. As part of the Jubilee Year, Archbishop John is encouraging people to turn to the Lord Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration and have their hopes “fulfilled by Christ”. The campaign, Hope in Adoration, will share testimonies from parish priests and laity throughout the year on how Eucharistic Adoration has helped them build a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus. Resources will also be made available for free and there is a comprehensive list of times of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes across the Archdiocese. Find out more about the campaign at rcaos.org.uk/hopeinadoration

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ARCHDIOCESAN JUBILEE CELEBRATION DAY at The Friars, Aylesford 7 June 2025. Led by Archbishop John Wilson, we will gather as an Archdiocese at The Friars, Aylesford for a day of prayer, reflection, celebration, and fun. There will be lots of activities, for children as well as for adults. This will be the centre-piece event of the 2025 Jubilee in the Archdiocese of Southwark. There will also be a walking pilgrimage from St George’s Cathedral in Southwark to The Friars (2-6 June 2025). The event itself is free. You can find out more about the event, including how to join the walking pilgrimage, and the wider Jubilee Year

plans in the Archdiocese at: rcaos.org.uk/jubilee2025.​​​​​​

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DIVINE MERCY - THE LIGHT FOR THE THIRD MILLENIUM

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In the year 2000, on the Second Sunday of Easter, St John Paul II canonised a humble Polish nun and mystic, Sr Faustina Kowalska, and proclaimed that from then on, the Sunday after Easter would be known throughout the world as Divine Mercy Sunday. His words that day were both solemn and prophetic: “By this act today, I pass on the message of Divine Mercy to the new millennium. I pass it on because I want people to know the better face of God, and that of His Divine Mercy, and through it, the better face of their brethren.” The Holy Father saw this message not merely as a private devotion, but as a light—a beacon—for our times. A time when mercy is so desperately needed. A time when, in a world fractured by distrust, pain, pride, and division, God's heart is still wide open.

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The Feast of Divine Mercy comes to us not only with beauty but with power. Jesus Himself, in the private revelations to St Faustina, called this day a “fountain of grace,” when His mercy is poured out in a special and abundant way for all souls, especially for sinners. It is as if Easter’s triumph bursts into full bloom on this day. The Risen Christ, showing His wounds to Thomas, stands before the whole world not to accuse, but to invite: “Peace be with you... Do not be afraid. Come and touch the wounds that healed you.”

The famous Image of Divine Mercy, painted under the direction of St Faustina, shows Christ stepping forward, with His right hand raised in blessing and His left hand pointing to His Heart. From His Heart flow two great rays—one pale, one red—symbolising the water and the blood that gushed forth from His pierced side on the Cross. These rays, He told Faustina, are not merely symbols but channels of grace. And what did He ask to be written beneath the image? “Jesus, I Trust in You.” This is not a slogan—it is a prayer. A cry from the heart. And in our time, it may be the most necessary and revolutionary prayer we can offer. Trust in Christ is not naïve optimism; it is a courageous act of surrender. It is to say, even when we feel lost or unworthy: “Jesus, I believe in Your love more than I believe in my sin.”

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We live in a time when many people—perhaps even ourselves—struggle to trust. Trust in others, trust in institutions, and often, trust in God. But the mercy of Jesus breaks through all fear, all shame, all cynicism. The Diary of St Faustina is filled with Jesus’ invitations to trust: “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy.” (Diary 723) Out of His mercy, Jesus gave to the world not only a feast, but powerful instruments of prayer: the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the 3 o’clock Hour of Mercy.

The Chaplet, dictated by Jesus to Faustina, is prayed using the beads of the Rosary. It is short, simple, and yet immeasurably profound. Jesus promised that when this Chaplet is prayed with trust and a contrite heart, it has the power to move His Heart—not only for ourselves, but on behalf of others, even souls in great need of conversion. It is a weapon of peace in a world full of spiritual noise.

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The 3 o’clock Hour of Mercy—“the hour of great mercy,” as Jesus called it—is the time He died on the Cross. At this hour, Jesus asks us to pause, even briefly, to remember His Passion and make an act of love. One simple prayer that Jesus gave is this: “O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You.” (Diary 187) This hour—daily, wherever we are—is like a wellspring in the middle of the desert. A moment to dip our hearts into mercy.

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Sometimes people think of “Divine Mercy” as just one devotion among many. But in truth, Divine Mercy is not a programme or a practice—it is a Person. Mercy has a face, and it is the face of Jesus Christ. He is mercy made flesh. He is the One who sits at table with sinners, who forgives the adulteress, who seeks the lost sheep, who weeps at the grave of a friend, who says from the Cross, “Father, forgive them.” His heart is not closed. It is pierced open. And from that pierced Heart, rivers of mercy flow. This mercy is not cheap grace—it is transforming love. It meets us where we are, but it does not leave us there. It lifts, heals, strengthens, renews. As we draw near to Jesus in His mercy, we become capable of showing it to others. We learn to forgive. To bless. To hope again.

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Dear friends, we warmly invite you to take part in the grace of Divine Mercy Sunday, on 27th April at St Thomas’ church. We will gather at 2:30pm for a short talk on Divine Mercy by Deacon Neil, followed by the Divine Mercy Hour with Confessions, prayer, and meditation before the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Whether you have prayed the Chaplet for years or never heard of it before, whether your heart is full of joy or weighed down with struggle—come. Come to the Fountain of Mercy.

 

​St Thomas of Canterbury, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us.
St Bernadette, pray for us.
St Edith of Kemsing, pray for us.

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Fr Peter Kucharski, Parish Priest of Sevenoaks

12 Granville Road     email

Sevenoaks               01732 454177

TN13 1ER

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